What does it take to be "an artist of consummate skill"? How does one know when one gets to that level? Does mastery of different skills require different levels of ability?
These are a few of the questions that come into my mind when I think about mastery of martial arts. The next time Master Tom Pardue ranks me up, I will have the title "Master" in his system. That is why these questions are important to me.
Knowing me as I do, there is a very good possibility that I will never really feel as though I am an "artist of consummate skill". I have a tendency to see what the future potential is more than I see what my current accomplishments are.
I do feel that mastery of different arts/sports/skills require different levels of skill and training. For example, Mastery of checkers is very different from mastery of chess, and mastery of "Go Fish" is different from mastery of Poker.
When it comes down to it, to me, mastery is still a mystery.
Steven said, "I have a tendency to see what the future potential is more than I see what my current accomplishments are."
ReplyDeleteAnne said, "Perhaps I think of a master as someone worth learning from and mastery as something one has learned very well. Anyone can achieve mastery of a given thing, with enough work and dedication, but not everyone can become a master."
These two statements struck me (like a side-step roundhouse kick to the face).
A few thoughts guiding my own internal definition inspired from their writing:
One is that I hope to never feel as if I have mastered something. I need the challenge (and joy) of looking forward, to peeling new layers away of understanding no matter the subject matter: math, martial arts, swim stroke, race strategy, communication skills. I think I do not believe in the concept of mastery. I think when we think we have arrived, we are in deep trouble. I truly need to empty my cup. I am not saying that I cannot be supremely good at something. I am just saying the whole concept of complete mastery leaves me feeling a little squirmy.
Also, maybe the title of "master" has little to do with how we see ourselves, but rather is a category in which we are placed due to the esteem of others. In fact, we could go to the extreme and say, "how others think of us is really none of our business at all." For instance, we become "master" in the martial arts world when someone else decides that we are and bestows that title upon us. (Unless, of course we have serious issues and bestow the title upon ourselves, yikes!) Further, our students' opinion of us is the only support in sustaining the title of master. Without a community of people who value our skills and believe in the quality of our knowledge and teaching ability, we really are not masters at all. Value, worth, and quality are difficult concepts to wrangle, but it seems to me the driving force behind the title "master" is powered by how others see us and the needs we meet in others, and ultimately has very little to do with how we see ourselves.
Further, the title of master may not be a reflection of our true ability or character at all. A collective belief might be true, but it also could be inaccurate. I have seen people called "master" that did not necessarily fit my idea of master, but somehow sustained a large group of believers who felt they were worthy of the title. Personally, a master to me would not only have supreme martial arts skill, but character as well, and honestly, other than my amazing husband, very few so-called masters would live up to my expectations. But there it is again: My, our expectations. We define master, but the master would be served well to focus on emptying his/her cup and keeping their primary focus on training, learning, and teaching. The strong winds of "Title" may blow, but the wise martial artist would not be moved by such fleeting and fickle bestowments from the lay folks. If you know what I mean.
Ah, so well said. I think I do not believe in complete mastery either, as you said. However, it is important to shine in that light and to recognize how hard work, dedication, and character can come together. There is as great risk in undervaluing oneself as in overvaluing. Earning multiple degrees within any black sash system is worthy of acknowledgement that mastery of much skill has occurred. However, to have arrived is, as you so cannily point out, no place to be. The good master, the fine character, the insightful mind, keeps training, thinking, looking, finding, and walking new paths. And helping others along the way.
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